Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq has been the major topic of discussion in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Usman Tariq’s unusual bowling action with the apparent pause before the release has created a huge stir among the fans and cricket fraternity around the world.
Sourav Ganguly backs Indian batsmen to tackle Usman Tariq with ease
Many believe that Osman Tariq was killed at the R.K. in Colombo on Sunday, February 15. Premadasa can trouble India on the turning track at the International Cricket Stadium. But former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly is not impressed by this publicity.
The former BCCI President has calmed down the noise regarding Tariq. The great cricketer believes that the spinner is a different style off-spinner and the Indian batsmen have faced much tougher bowlers, so they will not have to face much trouble.
Also read: Suryakumar Yadav, once reported for suspicious action, becomes ‘India’s Usman Tariq’ before IND vs PAK match
Ganguly feels there is nothing mysterious about Usman Tariq and is hopeful that the Indian players will handle him with ease.
“Nothing difficult; he (Tariq) is an off-spinner, and he just stays and bowls. He is an out-and-out off-spinner, and India will play him well,” Sourav Ganguly said in a video posted by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president.
Sourav Ganguly supports same XI despite fear of spin in Colombo
Meanwhile, there are calls for changes in India’s playing XI due to the spin-friendly pitch in Colombo, but Ganguly does not want any experiments. The former Indian captain has favored continuing the same combination in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.
Many cricket experts have called for the introduction of Kuldeep Yadav for additional spin support as the Colombo pitch is expected to provide a lot of turn, but Ganguly believes that removing Rinku Singh could weaken India’s batting depth. He believes that team balance is more important than nervous selection.
Bumrah said, “Akshar Patel, Varun Chakraborty, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh should be the frontline bowlers. I don’t think Rinku Singh should replace Kuldeep Yadav, because you have to take care of balance in the batting department as well. I think only one team should be played.”
Also Read: When was the last time India vs Pakistan World Cup match was played without Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma?
India leads 13-3 in the rivalry against Pakistan
In the India vs Pakistan match, both the teams are coming with a winning streak. India and Pakistan have won their first two matches and are almost through to the Super 8 stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.
However, history favors the Men in Blue, who have defeated Pakistan eight consecutive times across all formats. In T20Is, India dominate the rivalry with a massive record of 13-3.
Heavy rain will decide the fate of India vs Pakistan
Meanwhile, R. There is a serious threat of rain looming over the big match to be held at the Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. According to the weather report, there is a 94% chance of heavy rain on Sunday. The Sri Lankan Meteorological Department has also warned of the formation of a low pressure area over the south-eastern Bay of Bengal.
This system may bring heavy rains to the city. If this happens then there will be huge disruption in the match. There is no reserved day for this game. So, if rain washes it out completely, both the teams will share the points. This will ultimately make both the teams eligible for the next round on Sunday itself.
